Nordic underwater culture heritage legislation

Sweden

Basically,
a sunken ship is protected if it can assumed to have sunken more than 100 years ago.
Such a wreck site may (unless some exceptions) be dived on by recreational divers.
But nothing may be touched.

In case of construction works on a land or underwater archaeological site,
investigations must be made on the expense of the contractor.

Nordic legislation

Finland has a legislation similar to Sweden, automatically protecting
wrecks older than 100 years. Current law is
"Lag om fornminnen 17.6.1963/295".
Violation can lead to 2 years in prison.

Province island Åland
has a general prohibition against all wreck diving, except for a few sites
provided by licensed dive centres. The current law is from 1974. Violation can
lead to 2 to 4 years in prison.

Norway has a legislation similar to Sweden and Finland. Current law is §14 i lov
om kulturminner från 1978. Violations can lead to fines but not prison.

Denmark
has a legislation similar to Sweden, Finland and Norway since 1963. Current (revised)
law is "Museumsloven av 2001, kap 8 & 14". Violations can lead to fines but
not prison.